Teen heading to the “greatest place on earth” after winning Boundary Waters essay contest

This week, Ely Outfitting Company announced the winner of its first annual Boundary Waters Teen Essay Contest. Julia Ruelle, the 16-year-old winner, was one of more than 70 entries. Her prize? She and up to three teenage friends will go on a fully outfitted, self-guided trip—five days in the wilderness without parents and without a guide.